UN decries Thailand’s harsh punishments for royal slurs

The UN human rights office has voiced alarm at recent arrests and jail sentences for insulting Thailand's monarchy, warning of "chilling effects" on freedom of expression under the junta.

Since the army seized power in May, at least 13 new royal defamation cases had been opened and other allegations revived, spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said.

"We are seriously concerned about the prosecution and harsh sentencing of individuals in Thailand under the country's lese majeste law," she said on Tuesday. "Such measures are adding to the larger pattern of increasing restrictions on freedom of expression in Thailand."

Last week, two activists were charged with breaching the strict royal insult laws during a university play in October 2013 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of a student-led uprising.

The UN said the play depicted a fictional monarch who was manipulated by his adviser.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 86, is revered by many Thais and protected by tough defamation laws that carry a jail term of up to 15 years for each conviction.